Pasta & Grains

Lentil And Vegetable Curry

Name: Lentil And Vegetable Curry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained; 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 bell peppers, chopped; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste

By Wesley Kingsley · June 19, 2026 · Pasta & Grains

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made lentil and vegetable curry from scratch. It was a game-changer for me, as I had just been diagnosed with celiac disease and was struggling to find delicious and easy gluten-free recipes. This dish quickly became a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you today.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, and the lentils provide a boost of protein and fiber. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.

As a home cook, I'm always looking for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make and adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. This lentil and vegetable curry recipe checks all those boxes, and I'm confident you'll love it just as much as I do.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that's easy to prepare. So let's get started and dive into the world of gluten-free cooking!

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of red and green lentils, which provide a nice texture and flavor contrast. We'll also be adding a variety of vegetables, including onions, garlic, ginger, and bell peppers, to give the dish a pop of color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be ready in under an hour
It's gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions
The dish is highly versatile and can be made with a variety of vegetables
It's a great source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and filling meal
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses affordable ingredients
It's perfect for weeknights or special occasions, and can be served with a variety of sides

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great lentil and vegetable curry is to cook the lentils until they're tender, but still retain some texture. This is achieved by using a combination of sautéing and simmering, which helps to break down the lentils and infuse them with flavor.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of aromatics, such as onions, garlic, and ginger, which add a depth of flavor to the dish. By sautéing these ingredients in oil until they're soft and fragrant, we create a rich and flavorful base for the curry.

The type of oil used is also crucial, as it can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. In this recipe, we'll be using coconut oil, which has a high smoke point and a mild flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making lentil and vegetable curry, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.

Some of the key ingredients to look for include red and green lentils, which can be found at most health food stores or online. We'll also be using a variety of vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers, which can be found at most grocery stores.

1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drainedRed lentils are high in protein and fiber, and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They can be found at most health food stores or online.
1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drainedGreen lentils have a slightly firmer texture than red lentils and a more robust flavor. They can be found at most health food stores or online.
2 tablespoons coconut oilCoconut oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it perfect for sautéing and simmering. It can be found at most grocery stores or online.
1 onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores.
1 tablespoon grated gingerGinger adds a spicy and warming flavor to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores.
2 bell peppers, choppedBell peppers add a sweet and crunchy texture to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores.
1 can diced tomatoesDiced tomatoes add a burst of juicy flavor to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores.
2 cups vegetable brothVegetable broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores or made at home.
1 teaspoon curry powderCurry powder adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores or online.
1/2 teaspoon turmericTurmeric adds a bright yellow color and a slightly bitter flavor to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores or online.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper add depth and complexity to the dish, and can be found at most grocery stores.

Ingredients for Lentil And Vegetable Curry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Lentil And Vegetable Curry

1
Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris or stones. Drain and set aside.
2
Heat the coconut oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped bell peppers to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the curry powder and turmeric to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
6
Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and lentils to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
8
Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
9
Let the curry rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.
10
Reheat the curry gently, if necessary, and serve with a variety of sides, such as rice, naan, or roti.
11
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
12
Consider adding other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the curry for added flavor and nutrition.

Expert Tips

Use a variety of vegetables to add texture and flavor to the dish.
Don't overcook the lentils, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the curry, for a burst of bright flavor.
Serve the curry with a variety of sides, such as rice, naan, or roti, to round out the meal.
Let the curry rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Reheat the curry gently, if necessary, to prevent burning or scorching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the lentils, which can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough liquid, which can result in a dry and flavorless curry.
Not seasoning the curry enough, which can make it taste bland and uninspiring.
Not letting the curry rest before serving, which can result in a disjointed and unflavorful dish.
Not reheating the curry gently, which can result in a burnt or scorched flavor.
Not experimenting with different spices and seasonings, which can result in a boring and uninteresting flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the curry for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of lentils, such as brown or green lentils, for a varied texture and flavor.
Add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the curry, for a rich and creamy flavor.
Use different spices and seasonings, such as cumin or coriander, to create a unique and interesting flavor.
Add some heat to the curry, with a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper, for a spicy kick.
Serve the curry with a variety of sides, such as rice, naan, or roti, to round out the meal.

What to Serve With Lentil And Vegetable Curry

This lentil and vegetable curry is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include rice, naan, or roti, which can help to soak up the rich and spicy sauce.

Consider serving the curry with a side of raita, or yogurt sauce, to help cool down the palate. You could also serve it with a side of papadum or other crispy flatbread, for a satisfying crunch.

Serve the curry with a side of rice or naanAdd a dollop of yogurt or raita to the curry, for a cooling contrastServe the curry with a side of papadum or other crispy flatbreadAdd some heat to the curry, with a diced jalapeno or serrano pepperServe the curry with a side of roasted vegetables, for a nutritious and filling meal

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This lentil and vegetable curry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm the curry gently over low heat, or reheat it in the microwave until hot and steaming.

Consider portioning out the curry into individual servings, and freezing them for a quick and easy meal. You could also make a large batch of the curry and freeze it in airtight containers, for a convenient and healthy meal option.

When reheating the curry, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent burning or scorching. You could also add a splash of water or broth to the curry, if it becomes too thick or dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of lentils should I use for this recipe?

You can use either red or green lentils for this recipe, or a combination of both. Red lentils have a softer texture and a more delicate flavor, while green lentils have a firmer texture and a more robust flavor.

Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned lentils for this recipe, but be sure to rinse them well and drain off any excess liquid. Canned lentils can be a convenient option, but they may not have the same texture or flavor as cooked lentils.

How long does it take to cook the lentils?

The cooking time for lentils can vary depending on the type and age of the lentils, as well as the heat level and liquid ratio. In general, lentils can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes to cook, or until they are tender and have broken apart.

Can I add other vegetables to the curry?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to the curry, such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach. Simply sauté the vegetables in oil until tender, then add them to the curry along with the lentils and spices.

How spicy is this curry?

This curry has a moderate level of heat, thanks to the use of curry powder and turmeric. However, you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less of these spices, or by adding other spicy ingredients such as diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.

Can I make this curry in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this curry in a slow cooker. Simply brown the onions and garlic in a pan, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.

How do I store the curry?

You can store the curry in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days, or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm the curry gently over low heat, or reheat it in the microwave until hot and steaming.

Can I serve the curry with other sides?

Yes, you can serve the curry with a variety of sides, such as rice, naan, or roti. You could also serve it with a side of raita, or yogurt sauce, to help cool down the palate.

The Full Recipe

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